With his eyes firmly set on retaining a spot in India’s Test squad for the upcoming South Africa series, Ajinkya Rahane has potentially one last chance to assure the selectors. The star batter appears to once again be in a fix with the onus on him scoring runs in IND vs WI 2nd Test.
Rahane in a do-or-die situation
With scores of 89 and 46 in the finals of the World Test Championship against Australia, Rahane was arguably the standout batsman among the Indian batting order. However, with the final being Rahane’s first Test in 18 months, there wasn’t much time or space for the batter to prove his mettle and cement his spot.
As India take on West Indies in what is said to be a historic 100th Test between the two sides in Trinidad, Rahane will aim to add more runs to his name, having being dismissed for just three runs in the 1st innings and not getting a chance to bat in the 2 innings of the 1st Test.
With Shreyas Iyer, who is currently undergoing rehab at the NCA, ready to make his return to the squad, time is running out for Rahane and the 2nd Test at the Port of Spain may might as well be his last chance to impress the selectors.
Vikram Rathour backs Rahane’s inclusion for Proteas Tests
Team India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour threw his weight behind Ajinkya Rahane’s selection for the tour of South Africa, hoping that he would perform well.
”When it comes to technique, you constantly work on that but what stood out for me that he was much more calm in his approach. He was playing late and close to the body. He is still batting the same way in the nets,” Vikram Rathour said.
Meanwhile, speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of 2nd Test, Rohit Sharma hinted there will be minimal changes in the playing XI. With spinners ruling the roost in Dominica, Rohit might be tempted to play Axar Patel as the third spinner. But if the conditions remain overcast, he might go in with three pacers in Port of Spain for the second Test.
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